Abel

Abel
(Ay´buhl)

1 The second son of Adam and Eve (Gen 4:1-16). In the biblical narrative, Abel is the one who offers an acceptable sacrifice to God, although we are not told why it is acceptable. He is therefore murdered by his jealous brother, Cain. The name Abel in Hebrew means “breath, vapor,” suggesting the fragile quality of his life. In the NT, Abel becomes a theological reference for innocent blood (Matt 23:35; Luke 11:51); (Heb 12:24) and an exemplar of faith (Heb 11:4). 2 A location in northern Israel. Abel of Beth-maacah, also known as Abel-beth-maacah, is mentioned in (2Sam 20:14-15). The name Abel stands alone in (2Sam 20:18). Each of these passages associates the location with Joab’s pursuit of Sheba, son of Bichri, through the territory.

Presented by:

Bible Odyssey has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.